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More than 200 people gathered at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich on Saturday 14 June to celebrate the gift of marriage and family life at the Diocese of East Anglia’s annual Marriage Celebration Mass.
Presided over by Bishop Peter Collins, the Mass brought together couples from across the diocese to give thanks for the sacrament of marriage, with anniversaries ranging from one year to an extraordinary 65 years of married life.
In a moving part of the liturgy, all married couples present were invited to stand and renew their commitment to one another, reaffirming the vows they made on their wedding day. This powerful gesture of love and fidelity was witnessed by family, friends, and fellow members of the diocesan community.
The Mass was organised by Dr Antonia Braithwaite, the Diocese’s Marriage and Family Life Coordinator. A collection was taken during the service to support the continuing work of the Marriage and Family Life Commission, which promotes and nurtures the vocation of marriage throughout East Anglia.
The readings chosen for the Mass spoke poignantly to the beauty and depth of married love. The first reading, taken from Tobit 8:4b-8, is a touching prayer of trust and unity offered by Tobias and Sarah on their wedding night. It reflects the sacred dimension of marriage as a covenant rooted in faith and mutual support.
The Gospel reading, from 1 John 4:8b, 11, reminded all present that “God is love”, and that love of one another is both a reflection of God’s own nature and a central calling for married couples.
Following the Mass, there was a joyful gathering in the narthex, where cake and refreshments were shared. Bishop Peter took time to speak personally with couples and families, offering his congratulations, encouragement, and prayers.
Among those present were couples celebrating milestone anniversaries, with the longest marriage honoured on the day reaching an impressive 65 years. A couple celebrating their first wedding anniversary was also warmly applauded, representing the ongoing witness of love and new beginnings.
The event was a joyful and prayerful celebration of the enduring vocation of marriage, and a testament to the strength and faithfulness of Catholic couples across the Diocese of East Anglia.
All photographs from the day can be viewed here.
Bishop Peter Collins with Sheila & Derek Bye (64 years married) and Joan & John Sorrell (65 years married)
